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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of an optical disc drive (ODD)?

To display processed data on screen

To read and write data using laser light (correct)

To emulate the storage structure of hard drives

To convert digital data into analog signals

Which of the following statements accurately describes Blu-ray discs?

They use a different laser technology than DVDs

They can store up to 4.7 GB of data

They can store up to 50 GB of data (correct)

They are the oldest type of optical media

What differentiates flash disks from traditional hard drives?

Flash disks utilize spinning platters

Flash disks rely on flash memory without mechanical parts (correct)

Flash disks have lower data access speeds

Flash disks contain mechanical components

Which technology is commonly used in modern monitors?

Light-emitting diodes (LED) (A), Liquid crystal display (LCD) (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main principle behind how inkjet printers function?

They spray ink onto paper to create images and text (D) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes mainframe computers from minicomputers?

Mainframe computers can be used for different purposes simultaneously. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about microcomputers is correct?

Microcomputers have their processor and memory mounted on a single board. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT one of the key characteristics of a computer?

Emotional Intelligence (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the storage capability of computers?

Computers can store large volumes of data and retrieve it when needed. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the accuracy of a computer compare to that of a human?

Computers can yield results with a high degree of accuracy, often up to 10 decimal places. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the operational capability of a computer over time?

Computers maintain consistent performance without fatigue. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which computer type is characterized by being less expensive and smaller than minicomputers?

Microcomputers (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of input devices in a computer system?

To send data to the Central Processing Unit (CPU) for processing (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the limitations of computers as mentioned?

Computers can only perform tasks if data is entered correctly. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the computer is responsible for temporarily storing data during processing?

Primary memory (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'GIGO' principle refer to in computing?

The necessity for correct data input to ensure useful output (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these devices is categorized as an output unit in a computer system?

Monitor (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which component can be classified as a hardware component of a computer?

Motherboard (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of storage do floppy disks and compact disks provide?

Permanent storage (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of computer versatility, which task can a computer perform?

Simultaneously playing music and printing documents (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes 'computer software'?

The programs and operating systems that instruct hardware (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) in a CPU?

Executing arithmetic and logical operations (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which input device is primarily used for gaming and resembles a car's gear stick?

Joystick (B) Signup and view all the answers

What layout is commonly used for computer keyboards that resembles that of typewriters?

QWERTY (C) Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Control Unit (CU) play in a CPU?

Coordinates computer components and instructions (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a peripheral device connected to the system unit?

CPU (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a digital camera in relation to a computer?

To capture and manipulate images and videos (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the CPU is responsible for executing the next instruction in a program?

Control Unit (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following devices is primarily used to control the movement of a cursor on a screen?

Mouse (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of computer keyboards that is different from typewriters?

Function keys for specific tasks (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the system unit of a computer?

It houses the CPU and connects all peripheral devices. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic fundamentally distinguishes RAM from ROM?

RAM is volatile, whereas ROM is non-volatile. (A), RAM allows data modifications, while ROM does not. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the function of the ALU in relation to instructions?

The ALU performs specified operations on data provided by the registers. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of RAM within a computer system?

To provide temporary storage of data for quick access by the processor. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the access method of RAM differ from that of traditional storage methods like floppy disks?

RAM offers random access capabilities for immediate data retrieval. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What type of memory is ROM primarily used for?

Retaining essential system firmware when power is off. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements describes the storage capacity of RAM compared to ROM?

RAM typically occupies more space in memory than ROM. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes secondary memory in a computer system?

It holds data that is permanently retained even after power off. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which storage device is typically faster than CD-ROMs and floppy disks but offers permanent data storage?

Hard drive (HD) (D) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes primary memory from secondary memory?

Primary memory is volatile and provides quick access, whereas secondary memory is non-volatile. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines the term 'volatile' in relation to computer memory?

Data is lost when the power supply is interrupted. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Computer Classification by Processing Power

Computers are classified based on processing power, which is determined by their word length.
Mainframe computers: Large-scale, used for multiple tasks simultaneously. Large memory and backup facilities. Typically used in research centers and education. Examples include NCR 9300 and ICL 900 series.
Minicomputers: Smaller than mainframes, less expensive, with limited applications. Smaller memory and word lengths. Examples include PDP 11, PDP 8, and VAX series.
Microcomputers: Smallest and cheapest. Processor and memory on a single board. Often connected to other peripherals like scanners and telephone lines.

Computer Characteristics

Speed: Computers process data very quickly, often in millions of instructions per second. Calculations that would take hours or days manually can be completed in seconds. Examples include salary calculations, weather forecasting.
Accuracy: High degree of accuracy; calculations can be precise to multiple decimal places.
Diligence (Consistency): Computers don't tire or get fatigued. They maintain the same speed and accuracy over long periods of complex calculations.
Storage Capability: Large amounts of data and information can be stored temporarily in primary memory (RAM) and permanently in secondary storage (floppy disks, CDs, hard drives.)
Versatility: Computers can perform a wide variety of tasks. They can be used for tasks ranging from letter writing to playing music.

Components of a Computer

Hardware: Physical components of a computer system.
- Input units: Devices that send data to the CPU for processing. Examples include keyboards, mice, scanners, microphones.
- System unit: Central part of the computer housing the CPU and memory.
- Output units: Devices that display the results of processing. Examples include monitors, printers, projectors, speakers.
Software: Programs that instruct the computer to perform tasks.
- Operating systems: Manage the computer's resources.

Input Devices

Keyboard: Standard input device for entering text.
Mouse: Controls the cursor on the screen.
Touchscreen: Enables input by touching the screen.
Joystick: Used for gaming and other applications requiring directional input.
Microphone: Captures sound for input.
Scanner: Converts images or documents into digital format.
Graphics Tablets: Input device used by engineers, architects, and for digital drawing.
Cameras: Capture images or videos.
Digital Cameras: Capture still or moving images.
Other Input Devices: MIDI keyboard, pen input, barcode reader.

Output Devices

Monitor (Visual Display Unit): Displays the output visually.
Printer: Produces output on paper.
Projector: Displays output on a large screen.
Speakers: Output sound.
Plotters: Used to create large drawings.
Other Output Devices: LCD Projection Panels, Computer Output Microfilm (COM).

RAM and ROM

RAM (Random Access Memory): Volatile memory. Data is stored temporarily, lost when power is off. Quickly accessible by the processor.
ROM (Read-Only Memory): Non-volatile memory. Data is permanently stored. Cannot be written to by the user. Contains essential instructions for starting the computer.

Secondary Storage

Hard Drive (HDD): Stores large amounts of data permanently.
Optical Disks (CD,DVD, Blu-ray): Optical media for storing data.
Flash Disk: Portable storage device using flash memory.

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Description

This quiz explores the classification of computers based on their processing power, focusing on mainframe, minicomputers, and microcomputers. It also discusses essential characteristics such as speed and accuracy in data processing. Test your knowledge on these crucial aspects of computer technology.